Spot the Warning Signs Early and Protect Your Home From Bigger Issues

Severe storms can leave behind more than fallen branches and puddles. Your roof, often your home’s first line of defense, can take a beating—and not all damage is immediately visible. Catching storm damage early can prevent expensive repairs or even total roof failure.

Here’s how to spot the signs and what you should do right after a storm hits.

Common Types of Storm Damage That Affect Roofs

Different types of storms create different kinds of roofing damage. Being able to identify these helps you act quickly and smartly.

Wind Damage

High winds can lift or tear off shingles, loosen flashing, and even cause structural stress. Look for:

• Missing or crooked shingles
• Exposed nails or bare spots
• Detached gutters or siding near the roof

Hail Damage

Even small hailstones can cause dents, cracks, or granule loss. After a hailstorm, check for:

• Bruised or pitted shingles
• Black marks or soft spots
• Shingle granules in gutters or around the yard

Rain and Water Penetration

Heavy rain can expose or worsen existing weaknesses, leading to moisture intrusion. Be alert for:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Damp insulation in the attic
• Mold or mildew smells

Fallen Debris

Tree limbs and debris can puncture or compress your roofing material. You might notice:

• Shingle displacement or holes
• Sagging roof areas
• Visible impact marks

Immediate Steps to Take After a Storm

Once the skies clear, it’s important to act fast while staying safe.

1. Do a Visual Inspection from the Ground

Walk around your property and look for visible damage—shingles in the yard, bent gutters, debris on the roof. Use binoculars if needed. Avoid climbing on the roof yourself if it’s wet or unstable.

2. Check Inside for Hidden Signs

Head to the attic or top floor and look for leaks, damp insulation, or discolored ceiling areas. These subtle clues may point to serious water penetration.

3. Use Our AI Roof Inspection Tool

Before calling a contractor, run a free AI-powered roof inspection using satellite imaging and storm data. It’s contactless, instant, and helps identify if professional help is really needed.

4. Document the Damage

Take detailed photos of all visible signs of damage—outside and inside. This will be useful for insurance claims and when comparing contractor quotes.

5. Get Multiple Roofing Quotes

Never settle for just one opinion. Use our network of trusted, licensed roofers to get up to 4 free roofing quotes based on your roof’s condition and local pricing.

When to Call for Roof Repair vs. Replacement

Minor issues like a few missing shingles or small punctures can typically be repaired. But if the damage affects more than 25–30% of the roof, or the roof is near the end of its lifespan, a full replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.

Check out this guide on roof repair vs. replacement to help make the right decision for your home.

Insurance Tips After Roof Storm Damage

• File a claim quickly: Most policies require damage to be reported within a limited time window.
• Have your inspection report ready: Use our tool to provide visual proof and analysis of roof damage.
• Don’t accept the first settlement: Get contractor estimates and ensure the payout covers full repairs.

Don’t Wait—Storm Damage Worsens Over Time

Roof damage after a storm isn’t always obvious, but even small issues can lead to major problems if ignored. Mold, leaks, insulation loss, and even interior damage can result from untreated storm-related wear.

Start with our AI-based roof damage scan to find out if your roof was affected. Then, compare multiple contractor quotes to find the best fix for your budget.

Your roof protects everything underneath it—don’t leave its condition to chance after a storm.